While a lot has changed in the 2½ years of Covid-19, the underlying factors that fuel an increasingly zero-sum strategic competition remain the same. Before the pandemic, the multi-spectrum competition between the US and China drove the global strategic environment, diminishing inclusive multilateral mechanisms. Instead of setting aside differences to deal with a pandemic, the major powers continued their rivalry. We in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific should not make the mistake of thinking we are immune to the ebbs and flows of strategic competition. It provides Malaysia with options and leverage as it continues to hedge between the major powers and gives us the first-mover advantage.

Source: The Edge Markets June 18, 2022 09:35 UTC